How To Change A Clutch Using Easy And Simple Steps

Well, a clutch refers to a mechanical device that is responsible for engaging and disengaging transmission of power from driving to the driven shaft. The clutch is essential and found in both automatic and manual vehicles.

Just like all mechanical equipment, the clutch as well is prone to wear therefore should be replaced when that happens. In this article, I will look into the major reasons that may require you to change your car's clutch if they occur.

I will also look into the steps you need to follow when changing your vehicle's clutch.

Signs You Need A New Clutch

Scratching is one of the reasons that may require you to change your clutch. It occurs when the disc fails to function properly in transmitting power from the engine all the way to the gearbox.

Another reason that may require a clutch change is when the motor experiences increased revolutions, but your car's speed doesn’t go up. This frequently occurs when overtaking since at that moment you need to speed up slightly.

When you notice an abnormal short route of the clutch's pedal, the disc might be worn out, therefore, calling for a new clutch. Sometimes the disc might not necessarily be entirely worn out but could be in the wearing out process.

In case your vehicle takes longer to stall, your clutch could be worn out. You can determine this through a clutch wear test. The clutch wear test can be performed by a skilled mechanic.

No exact mileage that can determine when to change your car's clutch. However, it is advisable to look into the clutch's performance, after 150,000 kilometers.

What Will You Need

A jack

A screwdriver

Lubricant

New flywheel

New clutch disc

Steps To Follow In Changing Your Clutch

Step 1: Jack Up Your Car

In this step, ensure that your car is well positioned before you begin changing the clutch. You can do so using a car jack in raising the front part of your vehicle.

Ensure that the car jack you use is well below the oil pan in order to support the car's engine.

Step 2: Prepare The Transaxle For Removal

In getting to the car clutch, you are required to remove the car's transaxle. Removal of the transaxle may be a little bit tasking; therefore, you need to make sure that the clutch cable is unhooked as well as the positive battery cable.

Step 3: Unbolt The Engine Mount

In this step, you are required to remove the bolts using the screwdriver that hold the engine into place. At least one bolt should be unbolted in order to get the transaxle out. Afterward, when you are done removing the bolts separate the transaxle from the engine.

In getting the transaxle out, you are required to undo all the bolts within the flywheel bell housing. Carefully push the transaxle from the car's engine.

In case the transaxle doesn’t budge when pushed from the engine for the first time, try exerting some extra force till the pressure plate is fully exposed.

Step 4: Remove The Clutch; Repair The Clutch Flywheel

In getting the worn out/damaged clutch, from your car, unbolt the pressure plate. Afterward, slide out the disc. In case the flywheel has any wear signs, ensure that you repair or replace it.

When placing the new flywheel, ensure that you’ve cleaned out the dirt from the crankshaft flange. Lubrication is needed, when reinstalling the flywheel, therefore, ensure that you get yourself a good lubricant from your closest automobile outlet.

Step 5: Replace The Worn-out Clutch

When you are done repairing or replacing your flywheel, you can now install the new clutch disc. It's easy since the new clutch disc only needs to be slid in. Afterward, replace your car's transaxle.

Step 6: Reattach The Transaxle

Align your car's transaxle with the spindled hole of the clutch disc. Slowly move the transaxle until its input shaft clicks into the clutch disc's spindled hole.

When you are done returning the transaxle to its former position, return the bolts you had removed. Make sure the bolts are tight enough.

Step 7: Remove Your Car Jack

After you are done replacing the worn-out clutch, release the car jack. This helps your car to assume its normal position on the ground. However, this should be done after you have ensured that all bolts are in place.

Step 8: Test The New/Replaced Clutch

This can only be done by driving your car a few blocks to determine whether the new clutch is fully functional.

Importance Of A Fully Functional Clutch

Having a functional clutch in your car is very important since transmission of power is dependent on the clutch. A major importance is controlling the way and the rate at which torque is applied in matching shaft speeds.

A functional clutch is useful when practicing slow driving. Places in which you may be required to drive slowly include places with many bends as well as in tight traffic.

By simply stepping on your car's clutch, it slows down hence enabling you to drive slowly and cautiously. With a fully functional clutch, you won’t find yourself experiencing problems while changing gears.

Some problems that face a faulty clutch include scratching and abnormal ease of changing gears.

Conclusion

Having looked at the various factors that determine the effectiveness of your clutch, you can make the decision to change it or not. In this article, I have looked into the reasons that raise a red signal in your clutch's performance.

In case changing the clutch turns out to be tasking, it is advisable to seek assistance from a skilled mechanic. Such a person is well informed about the clutch's functionality as well as the steps needed in replacing a faulty clutch.

It is also advisable to review your car's user's manual before dismantling your car parts while changing the faulty clutch.